Psychology Consultations 100% Online
Social Phobia
Social Anxiety
Overcome the fear of being judged with specialized therapy for social phobia.
With the help of our psicologos online, You will receive a detailed assessment, evidence-based interventions, and ongoing support to help you regain confidence in social situations.
Accredited Psychologists
Psychologists with over 4,000 hours of experience.
Sessions Where and
Whenever You Want
Direct Chat with
The Therapist
Journaling
Therapeutic
Secure and Confidential Consultations
Impact of Psychology
Proven Results of Online Psychotherapy
92%
They are satisfied with online therapy and say it has been helpful in dealing with their emotional challenges.
77%
Of the teenagers who underwent online therapy for social anxiety, none of them showed symptoms at the end of treatment.
80%
Patients experience clinically significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress after 8- to 12-week programs.
Depression
What is Social Phobia (Social Anxiety)?
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in situations where a person may be observed, evaluated, or humiliated. According to... Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), for diagnosis, the fear must be persistent (≥ 6 months), disproportionate to the actual risk, and cause clinically significant avoidance or distress.
A distinction is usually made between:
Generalized type Fear extends to most interactions (conversing, participating in small groups, meeting new people).
Performance type Anxiety predominates in public acts (speaking, presenting, singing).
Most Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety
- Cognitive: Thoughts like "I'm going to look ridiculous," "They'll notice I'm nervous," vivid memories of past failures.
- Emotional: Shame, anticipated embarrassment, fear of rejection.
- Physicists: Facial flushing, tremors, excessive sweating, tachycardia, trembling voice, muscle tension.
- Behavioral: Avoid gatherings, meetings, or activities where you might be the center of attention; use alcohol or anti-anxiety medication to cope with social events.
Causes and Risk Factors of Social Anxiety
- Genetic predisposition — Twin studies suggest heritability up to 45 %.
- Inhibited temperament Shy or inhibited children around strangers are more likely to develop social anxiety in adolescence.
- Modeling and social learning Experiences of criticism, rejection, or public humiliation increase vulnerability.
- Dysfunctional beliefs — exaggerated assessments of the likelihood and severity of failing in public, focusing on negative self-image.
- Neurobiological processes — hiper-activação da amígdala e conexões alteradas em circuitos de ameaça relacionam-se à reação de medo perante rostos críticos.
Online Psychotherapy
Take the first step, at your own pace.
Taking care of your emotional health is an act of courage and self-care. If you feel it's time to begin this journey, we're here to support you. Book your first session and discover how therapy can make a difference in your daily life.
Your well-being starts with one step. Schedule your session.
How We Help
Professional Psychological Support
for Social Phobia
Social Anxiety Disorder is associated with:
- School dropout or academic limitations (avoid presentations).
- Reduced career progression due to avoidance of interviews, meetings, and leadership roles.
- Emotional isolation, difficulty initiating or maintaining friendships and intimate relationships.
- Increased risk of alcohol or drug abuse used as a social "crutch".
- Increased rates of depression and suicidal ideation.
How can we help?
Therapies with proven effectiveness
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Controlled trials demonstrate significant symptomatic reductions and maintenance of gains at 12 months, comparable to the in-person format when there is guided therapeutic contact.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
It promotes a willingness to experience social discomfort while acting according to values (friendship, professional advancement), increasing vitality and psychological flexibility.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Useful for processing underlying shame and self-criticism, facilitating the building of self-compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We're here to help.
No. Social anxiety becomes clinical when it is persistent, disproportionate, and significantly interferes with daily life.
Online CBT protocols for social anxiety typically range from 12 to 20 sessions. Regular exposure practice accelerates progress.
During therapy, you will learn diaphragmatic breathing techniques, external attention training, and behavioral rehearsal—tools that reduce physiological arousal and self-criticism.
The therapist will guide you through emotional regulation techniques and, together with you, plan strategies to deal with anxiety spikes outside of sessions.
The psychologist will listen to your story, understand your goals, and explain how the treatment will proceed. This is a time to build trust and define the therapeutic plan.
Bibliographic References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., revised text). Washington, DC: APA; 2022.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment (CG159). London: NICE; 2013.
- Clark DM, Ehlers A, McManus F, et al. Cognitive therapy versus exposure and applied relaxation in social phobia: A randomized controlled trial. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2006;74(3):568-578.
- Hedman E, Andersson G, Ljótsson B, et al. Internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy for social anxiety disorder vs. cognitive behavioral group therapy: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. PLOS ONE. 2011;6(3):e18001.
- Spence SH, Donovan CL. The treatment of social phobia in youth: A meta-analysis. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2011;14(2):133-148.
- Rodebaugh TL, Holaway RM, Heimberg RG. The treatment of social anxiety disorder. Clin Psychol Rev. 2004;24(7):883-908.
- Levin ME, Hildebrandt MJ, Lillis J, Hayes SC. The impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on social anxiety: A systematic review. Psychiatry Res. 2012;199(3):131-137.
- Moscovitch DA, Rowa K, Ham JA. Treatment goals in social anxiety disorder: From clinical practice to clinical research. J Anxiety Disord. 2012;26(1):12-22.
- Weeks JW, Heimberg RG. Psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based review. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(12):70.
- Wong QJJ, Rapee RM. The aetiology and maintenance of social anxiety disorder: A synthesis of complementary theoretical models and formulation of a new integrated model. J Affect Disord. 2016;203:84-100.
Online Psychologists Near You, Nationwide
Find accredited online psychologists and start your online psychotherapy without travel, tight schedules, or waiting lists. We work with experienced professionals in all districts of Portugal, guaranteeing national coverage and intervention based on scientific evidence.
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Online Psychotherapy
Whenever you want.
Wherever you want.
Whenever you want.
No rush and no need to travel.
Feel free to take the next step when you feel the time is right.
How We Help
Professional Psychological Support
Without Leaving Home
Are you looking for certified online psychologists available to help with complete confidentiality?
On our platform, you can book your online psychology appointment in just a few minutes and begin therapy with professionals registered with the Portuguese Order of Psychologists, with the same quality as in-person therapy, but with all the convenience of the digital world.
Total flexibility
Choose times to schedule your day early in the morning, during your lunch break, or at the end of the day.
Experienced Professionals
Psychologists with proven experience and approaches based on scientific evidence.
No travel
Have your session in the comfort of your home or wherever you feel most comfortable.
Security
A platform with end-to-end encryption and complete respect for your data.
Consultation with Online Psychologists
How it Works
1
Complete the Initial Questionnaire
Tell us a little about yourself, your needs and goals. This allows us to recommend the most suitable and specialized online psychologist for the area you need most.
2
Schedule and Pay Easily
Choose the time that is most convenient for you. Scheduling and payment can be done directly online or by phone with our support team.
3
Start Your Online Therapy
On the chosen day and time, access the secure link sent to you and speak with your psychologist via video call. All in a completely confidential environment, ensuring that your online psychology consultation takes place with maximum comfort and privacy.
Take the first step towards your well-being.
Do you need clarity, self-regulation tools, or a confidential space to talk? With our accredited psychologists specializing in evidence-based therapy, you can start therapy from wherever you want, whenever you want, and as often as you want.
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Online psychology consultations aim to support psychological well-being and are not a substitute for medical, psychiatric, or emergency services.
In case of a psychological crisis or emergency, contact 112 immediately or go to the nearest emergency service.
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